How difficult is it ?
Oct 26th 2016, 8:06 pm
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Dépt 61
Posts: 5,254
Re: How difficult is it ?
No I can't say I've ever needed to use Valerie's services as such, but I did have dealings with her in her previous incarnation as an advisor (I was kind of in the same kind of line of business myself at the time 
). And I thoroughly endorse your recommendation, she is totally on the ball. Also she is very honest and if you contact her with a problem she isn't comfortable with handling, she'll tell you so straight away and she won't take your money.
My point, though, was that people who ask "easy" questions, which I think is what the OP was thinking of (where do I go to register my car, how do I get a carte vitale type thing) tend to be the ones who are brand new in France, feeling helpless and don't know where to start and really do need their hand holding and someone "boots on the ground" as Shirtback says. People would pay for "show me/go with me" help but not for "tell me" help because free advice (if you can sift the good from the bad) is plentifully available on forums. When you get past that stage to the ones who have coped with the basics but now need help with a specific problem that forumites can't answer, you're going to need a wide range of relatively specialised knowledge � la Citizens Advice Bureau, because the queries could be anything from social security to planning permission to neighbour disputes to consumer affairs - and I don't think that was what the OP had in mind, since she specifically said "when moving to France" rather than "when living in France".
). And I thoroughly endorse your recommendation, she is totally on the ball. Also she is very honest and if you contact her with a problem she isn't comfortable with handling, she'll tell you so straight away and she won't take your money.My point, though, was that people who ask "easy" questions, which I think is what the OP was thinking of (where do I go to register my car, how do I get a carte vitale type thing) tend to be the ones who are brand new in France, feeling helpless and don't know where to start and really do need their hand holding and someone "boots on the ground" as Shirtback says. People would pay for "show me/go with me" help but not for "tell me" help because free advice (if you can sift the good from the bad) is plentifully available on forums. When you get past that stage to the ones who have coped with the basics but now need help with a specific problem that forumites can't answer, you're going to need a wide range of relatively specialised knowledge � la Citizens Advice Bureau, because the queries could be anything from social security to planning permission to neighbour disputes to consumer affairs - and I don't think that was what the OP had in mind, since she specifically said "when moving to France" rather than "when living in France".
Oct 27th 2016, 3:29 pm
#17
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2012
Location: Qc, Canada
Posts: 3,787
Re: How difficult is it ?
I find your comment slightly amusing since you regularly contribute help/advice to this forum and you apparently do not have "boots on the ground". Neither do I.
If anyone wants actual "handholding" then there are relocation consultants in most large cities. You'll pay a fair bit for this personal service though.
I sent the OP in the direction of Valerie Lemiere because I think the model that Valerie has for startabusinessinfrance might well work for her too. I'd have happily paid $100 a year for that and a bit more for the odd one-on-one with someone who knows what they are talking about.
If anyone wants actual "handholding" then there are relocation consultants in most large cities. You'll pay a fair bit for this personal service though.
I sent the OP in the direction of Valerie Lemiere because I think the model that Valerie has for startabusinessinfrance might well work for her too. I'd have happily paid $100 a year for that and a bit more for the odd one-on-one with someone who knows what they are talking about.
I was looking at the OP's business question/idea, from the POV of what would I pay for, versus what could/can i find out & deal with myself via free online resources (including this forum).
Oct 27th 2016, 3:35 pm
#18
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2012
Location: Qc, Canada
Posts: 3,787
Re: How difficult is it ?
No I can't say I've ever needed to use Valerie's services as such, but I did have dealings with her in her previous incarnation as an advisor (I was kind of in the same kind of line of business myself at the time ). And I thoroughly endorse your recommendation, she is totally on the ball. Also she is very honest and if you contact her with a problem she isn't comfortable with handling, she'll tell you so straight away and she won't take your money.
My point, though, was that people who ask "easy" questions, which I think is what the OP was thinking of (where do I go to register my car, how do I get a carte vitale type thing) tend to be the ones who are brand new in France, feeling helpless and don't know where to start and really do need their hand holding and someone "boots on the ground" as Shirtback says. People would pay for "show me/go with me" help but not for "tell me" help because free advice (if you can sift the good from the bad) is plentifully available on forums. When you get past that stage to the ones who have coped with the basics but now need help with a specific problem that forumites can't answer, you're going to need a wide range of relatively specialised knowledge � la Citizens Advice Bureau, because the queries could be anything from social security to planning permission to neighbour disputes to consumer affairs - and I don't think that was what the OP had in mind, since she specifically said "when moving to France" rather than "when living in France".
). And I thoroughly endorse your recommendation, she is totally on the ball. Also she is very honest and if you contact her with a problem she isn't comfortable with handling, she'll tell you so straight away and she won't take your money.My point, though, was that people who ask "easy" questions, which I think is what the OP was thinking of (where do I go to register my car, how do I get a carte vitale type thing) tend to be the ones who are brand new in France, feeling helpless and don't know where to start and really do need their hand holding and someone "boots on the ground" as Shirtback says. People would pay for "show me/go with me" help but not for "tell me" help because free advice (if you can sift the good from the bad) is plentifully available on forums. When you get past that stage to the ones who have coped with the basics but now need help with a specific problem that forumites can't answer, you're going to need a wide range of relatively specialised knowledge � la Citizens Advice Bureau, because the queries could be anything from social security to planning permission to neighbour disputes to consumer affairs - and I don't think that was what the OP had in mind, since she specifically said "when moving to France" rather than "when living in France".
That's how I understand/understood it.
I can, & have given info/linked to personal recommendations of paid services in the past, when the advice/help needed is more than a free forum with volunteer posters can provide.
